Between Truth & Lies: An Age Gap Romance (Rosavale Book 2) Read online

  She parted her lips and only one word came out in a whisper. “No.”

  My brows furrowed as my jaw tensed. “Do you want to continue living in that dump?” For the life of me, I couldn’t understand why she was being difficult. Or why she wouldn’t accept my help.

  “I do,” she murmured. My gaze hardened and she took a step back as if she feared me.

  “Let’s get out of here.”

  Her cheeks tinged red and she looked away. “This is my job, Mr. Ashford. I can’t just up and leave at your command.”

  “I already told you to call me Devan,” I growled. Hearing Mr. Ashford roll off her lips sent a spasm through me.

  “Look, sir ... Devan, I can’t stand here chatting. I’m sorry, but I—”

  “I won’t leave until I talk to you. We need to put an end to this.”

  “To what? I don’t want the house or the job.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you owe me nothing and I barely know you. This is crazy!”

  “Crazy is that you live in a place where you can be raped or murdered at any second.”

  She paled but lifted her chin even higher. “I know how to take care of myself.”

  “Do you, Belvana? Do you take care of yourself by taking unnecessary risks?”

  Belvana took another step back, holding the tray to her chest as if to protect her against me. Her eyes were too big and too bright. “I need to go.”

  “No, you don’t need to. I offered you a much better job and if you didn’t like it, I can always find you something else.”

  “I have tables waiting. Thanks for everything, but it’s better like this. Goodbye, Mr. Ashford.” Then she turned her back on me.

  I grabbed her arm before she could get any further and abruptly spun her. She almost hit my chest and the desire was there, running through us with such stark violence. Her mouth was close to my chin and her gaze was almost pleading. It was that overwhelming lust that made me drop her arm.

  “I’ll wait for you to finish.”

  “It’s gonna take a while…” she trailed off noticing the nearly deserted restaurant.

  “Bring me a shot of whiskey.”

  “I’m not sure we have anything to suit your tastes.”

  “How do you know what I like? Just bring whatever you have.” I walked away from her and went to the nearest unoccupied table. I was revolted with myself. With that girl for being so stubborn and beautiful. For her looking at me as if she was begging me to do all the dirty things that crossed my mind.

  This would be my last attempt to reason with her. All I wanted was to return a favor and settle this debt. My father had taught me to never let a debt go unpaid. Especially the ones that weren’t traded with money and I would never forgive myself if I turned my back and something happened to her.

  Sitting in that dingy place, I raised my hand and rubbed my thumb over my chin. My gaze followed her as she filled trays and served tables while avoiding looking at me.

  I tensed seeing how she drew attention and how the men devoured her with their eyes. Belvana left a table and returned with the empty tray to the bar but didn’t bring me my drink. She spoke to the man running the till, pursing his lips he nodded at what she said and then she untied the apron from around her waist. She folded it and bent over the counter to store it.

  The image of her ass bent over like that was tantalizing.

  Squaring her shoulders, she wandered to my table and crossed her arms over her chest when she was in front of me. “Let’s talk.”

  “Not here.” I stood and clasped her arm and led her toward the door.

  “Where are we going?” She yanked her hand from mine. I went on as if I didn’t mind, but I enjoyed the feel of her small, warm palm wrapped in mine.

  “Are you driving?”

  “No. My car was making a weird noise.” She winced as if regretting her words which only served to prove further that she needed help.

  We went out into the cool twilight and the market was still busy. I seized her hand again and she didn’t protest. Tightening, my grip on her, I maneuvered around the crowd toward the exit. I pressed the key fob of my car and the doors unlocked. I opened the passenger’s side and she climbed in. Then I rounded the car and took the wheel.

  As I drove, the silence that filled the atmosphere was so thick that the air became dense.

  “You didn’t answer me, Devan. Where are we going?”

  I didn’t answer. I didn’t want to look at her and be distracted. I didn’t want to continue feeling tense and unraveled. Everything was happening too fast. We were strangers but all this chemistry seemed to be eating away at me.

  I needed something to distract me so I put on some music. Sam Smith’s ‘Drowning Shadows’ eased the dense environment. The headlights illuminated the dark, deserted street surrounded by fields on both sides while I struggled to regain my usual control, convincing myself that it was ridiculous to be this attracted to a woman so different from me. There was a world between us. All I wanted was to be myself again; away from her and everything that awoke in me when in her presence.

  I veered to the entrance of her neighborhood. The street was paved to a certain point then it became curvy and uphill with clay floors. I stopped the car on the last street I could get to before her house. I got out of the car and so did Belvana. I met her eyes but didn’t say anything. In an unspoken agreement, we went up the rest of the bumpy street to a set of apartments—hers among them.

  She took the keys out of the pocket of her jeans and murmured, “Thank you for bringing me home.” She stopped in front of her door, on a step above me, which left us at the same height and our eyes seemed to insist on meeting.

  She unlocked the door and went inside the tiny brick apartment, turning on the light. I followed her and closed the door behind me. The air was slightly stuffy inside.

  Belvana motioned to a chair. “Have a seat.”

  “I won’t be long.”

  She sighed, tugging at the bun on top of her head. Golden locks cascaded down her back and she ran a hand through it to drive it away from her face. “I can accept the job but I don’t want the house.”

  “This place is dangerous.”

  “It’s my home and I don’t want to live in the city.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I don’t. I prefer to stay here.”

  “You’re so stubborn.”

  “Just because I don’t agree with you doesn’t mean I’m stubborn. And if you’re so determined to keep me safe then why did you get me a job in the city, much further from here while you have a farm in Rosavale? Couldn’t you find me something there?”

  Her question caught me off guard. How would I say that it was to keep her away from me?

  “Is it because of that?” she accused and the blush on her cheeks became more prominent.

  “That what?”

  “The way you look at me,” she murmured, her eyes fixed on mine although she seemed nervous.

  There, everything was clear. I had tried to avoid it, but Belvana made sure to bring it to light. “Yes, that’s why.”

  “But—”

  “There is no but. I don’t want to see you anymore, Belvana,” I was being brutally honest, but sincere. “But I can only go in peace after I know you’re taken care of. Take the job, the car, and the house. You saved my life, it’s the least I can do.”

  She shook her head laughing lightly. “I can’t do something I don’t want to just to ease your conscience or because you want to keep me away. Don’t you see how unfair that is?”

  “Then tell me what you want,” I demanded, trying to keep everything on the level of negotiation, although that living force between us roamed. For a moment it was difficult to have the willpower and remember why I didn’t want to be involved with her. But then I forced myself to see how young and innocent she was for a man like me.

  “I want to see you again,” she said.

  I was screwed.

  I st
iffened with an almost uncontrollable urge to grab her hair, corner her against the wall and kiss that mouth until she moaned and gave herself up. I almost did. But I wasn’t a hormonal teenage boy anymore. I was a man. And all actions had consequences.

  “You won’t see me again,” I affirmed. “Not the way you think.”

  “Then I don’t want anything.”

  “Belvana,” I breathed, narrowing my eyes and annoyed at her for provoking me.

  “If I accept a house, it has to be in Rosavale. And as far as work goes, it has to be there too.” She didn’t look away, but her lips trembled. Then she surrendered and looked down. “That’s what I want.”

  “No.” It would be too tempting to see her around in Rosavale. “It’s my last offer. Home and work in the city. Don’t take any chances with me, Belvana. Think before turning down my offer.”

  “No,” she retorted, raising those blue eyes to me.

  I felt a thud inside and almost faltered. But I nodded my head. “If you change your mind, come find me. Take care, Belvana.”

  I went for the door and left, wishing for something that would make me stay. But Belvana didn’t stay behind. She accompanied me home in my mind.

  Four

  Devan

  More silent than usual, I ate during breakfast and Belvana was a constant on my mind. I wanted to get her out of that dump she lived in, but there was nothing I could do. She was of age and I couldn’t force my will upon her. If she preferred to continue putting her life at risk by living in that slum then so be it. She was not my responsibility.

  “Devan, the town festival is approaching. Will you host a party at the farm this year?” Aiden asked.

  “Yes. Saturday, two weeks from now, but not on the farm. Shayleigh’s booked a venue in the city. I don’t want any trouble around here. The invitations are in the office. How many do you want?”

  “As many as you’ll give me.” Aiden chuckled. “Are you going, Ethan?”

  “No. Does it even make sense to celebrate the town festival outside of Rosavale?” Ethan said, cutting his bacon. “I’ll stick around to watch the bands play downtown at the parade, and then eat the best corn sticks in the world.”

  “That’s much more fun than a fancy party.” Talon nodded. “And the costumes are usually hilarious. I have to see what these people will come up with this year.”

  “I prefer it here too,” Navia agreed with a smile. “Whatever Shayleigh’s organizing will probably be pompous. For the rich and sophisticated.”

  “You say that like you’re poor and suffering.” Aiden laughed wryly and Navia pulled a face. “You don’t know what you’re missing. Champagne, beautiful people, masks, seduction…” Aiden sighed. “Everything I like. Who else from the farm is going?”

  “I have no idea,” I said. “You’ll have to ask Shayleigh.”

  I wasn’t excited about the masked ball at all. I preferred to stay home but I had to be there for business, make new acquaintances and revive old ones. That’s why I always participated in those tiresome events.

  “I have to get to the office,” I excused myself, pushing my chair away from the table.

  Thoughtfully, I drove to my office downtown. After the shooting, I decided it would be best for the time being to work from Rosavale instead of driving to the city every day. That way I’d be closer to the farm while I healed and it was easier keeping an eye on things.

  And as much as I occupied myself with work, my concern for Belvana didn’t diminish. However, I held on, assuring myself that it had been her choice and I was sure I’d forget her soon enough.

  When Shayleigh and I finished a budget meeting after lunch, she sat across from me updating me on everything I’d missed since I was away. Then she paused, slipping the tip of a pen in her mouth then between her teeth, and her dark eyes were fixed on mine. “You know, Devan, I’ve been thinking about that girl, Belvana,” she commented as if she knew the subject looping in my head.

  “What about her?” I leaned back in my chair and watched her closely.

  “The place she lives in. Her life story… it’s all so heartbreaking. She’s had it tough from the start. And, um, since she said she doesn’t want to live in the city, I thought we could find her something here. I need an assistant to help me keep up with everything and Belvana needs a better job. Two birds. One stone. What do you think?”

  I raked my fingers through my hair, letting a rush of air slip from between my lips. I felt a twinge from my right shoulder that was basically healed and all that’s left to show for my injury was the scar from the bullet wound.

  Without meaning to, Shayleigh was giving Belvana the opportunity to work close to me when I wanted her to be as far away from me as possible. I could only imagine the torture of having her nearby on a daily basis and having to fight the attraction between us. I hated to go back on a decision, especially one I know I’d regret. But fuck if I didn’t want to see her again.

  “Do you think she’ll be able to manage? Her professional background isn’t impressive.”

  “It’s not that hard of a job. If you thought she could handle being a receptionist then she can handle an assistant position. Besides, she’ll have me to help her and if she doesn’t get the hang of it, I’ll figure something out.”

  “When I went to see her, she told me likes to bake.” I chuckled, remembering her all covered in flour the first time I went to her apartment. There was a speck of it on her chin as if she’d passed her dirty hands over it or maybe scratched the spot. I blinked back the image of her and sat up straight, wiping the smile off my face.

  “I don’t think the bakery’s hiring, but I could check to be sure.”

  “You don’t have to,” I said, already regretting my decision. “Hire her, Shayleigh but she’ll be your responsibility.”

  “Got it. I’ll whip her into shape.”

  I grumbled at her choice of words. “What about housing? Do you know of any available around here?”

  “This is where things get complicated. You know real estate isn’t the town’s forte. There aren’t many houses around here, just a couple of B&B’s. Right now, Devan, it’s almost impossible to get anything decent in Rosavale.”

  “I don’t want her to stay where she is now. It’s dangerous.” But the fact that it was dangerous wasn’t the only problem with it. The conditions of her house were despicable. She didn’t deserve to live that way. No one did.

  “I understand.” She hesitated as if weighing her next words. “What about your farm? Don’t you have any houses left?”

  Ethan was in charge of the housing on the farm, but I was almost certain that there was something available on our complex. It was one thing to see her at work and another to know that she was living on my land, within reach of my home.

  Shayleigh continued. “I mean, you could have died if it wasn’t for her and you’re very concerned about getting her out of those projects. Plus, your complex is for your employees and technically she’s about to become your employee so it sort of makes sense to have her there, right?”

  “I think you want to screw me, Shayleigh,” I muttered, although I knew my assistant was not to blame for anything. “I’ll have Ethan look into it.” I picked my phone up from the table and sent him a text.

  “Right.” She got up, flattening her skirt. “I’ll get in touch with Belvana and then head to HR and have them draft the paperwork.”

  “Get everything set up, but let me talk to her.”

  “Alright. I’ll email everything to you.”

  Rubbing my eyes, I nodded and Shayleigh left.

  I let out another irritable breath. Why did that girl affect me so much? What was worse was having to admit to her that I went back on my word and dreading that she’d think I didn’t have enough strength to keep away from her.

  A grown man fearing a little girl, how ridiculous.

  I worked until late afternoon that Friday and when I left, I didn’t take the main road toward my home. Instead, I drove to th
e market. I tried to convince myself not to go to her. Shayleigh could have handled this for me. It was what I paid her to do yet I couldn’t turn my car around.

  Belvana

  My eyes met Devan Ashford’s tall frame as he stood at the entrance of Uncle Sam’s. His legs were slightly parted and the black material of his slacks pulled taut on his thighs a little from his hand filling his pockets. His stance was relaxed but his features were constrained.

  Amidst the busy restaurant and noisy conversations, he overpowered the ambiance. My emotions became uncontrollable in his presence as if he sucked my strength, my ability to think and to be rational.

  I was standing behind the counter, by the kitchen door and Devan hadn’t seen me, but his eyes were scanning the place. He was searching for me. I figured he was done with me after our last conversation and I didn’t expect to see him this soon.

  I sucked in a breath, seeking self-control, but all I saw was him in front of me and that undermined any determination I had. But how could I fight something that I didn’t understand? It consumed me like a slow-burning, lingering flame. Unlike anything I’d ever felt in my life but Mom warned me about this. Devan was a beautiful man. Sculptured to perfection and being attracted to him was natural. Perhaps it was his tall body with broad shoulders and dominant posture. Or maybe it was those sharp, blue eyes. Regardless of what made him breathtaking, I couldn’t let it derail me.

  “Hey, where’s my food?” Complained one of the men at the table I was waiting on and my boss shot me a nasty glare that propelled my feet into action.

  Blinking, I forced my eyes off of Devan and collected the burgers. “Coming right up.” I sidestepped the people around me, but my gaze hunted him as I set the plates in front of them.

  I arrived at the bar and set my tray on the wooden counter, forcing myself not to look at him.